The Stokes County Arts Council is pleased to announce the opening of an exhibit of original
paintings by artist Kenneth Laird in the Apple Gallery. A meet and greet is scheduled for
Saturday, May 24 from 4:30pm-6:00pm in the Apple Gallery of the Stokes County Arts Council
500 Main Street Danbury, NC.

By merging traditional painting techniques with digital tools, Laird creates giclée printed and
traditional abstract works that offer unique depth and textures. “The physicality of pallet knife
work and the layering of paint are juxtaposed with the precision and versatility of digital
photographic manipulation, resulting in pieces that are rich in both tradition and innovation,” he
explained. This combination not only allows for greater freedom in experimentation, but it also
opens new possibilities for how nature can be represented, interpreted, and experienced in
contemporary art. In his works, he combines mixed media, including dust powders of gold and
silver, along with burnishing, raw, and distressed wood and other materials. He then uses
Photoshop to merge the traditional media photographed with digitally manipulated content to
create his imagery.

Inspired by abstract art and works but also a sincere appreciation for wildlife art and realism,
Laird said he became fascinated in how he could make these interact. “The idea of going digital
(Photoshop) was a cautious approach but after learning to escape the square format and allow the
work to utilize the edge and merge flawlessly with white negative spaces, the work began to
come alive and breath and look consistent.”

Laird shared that his abstract and digital photographic artwork stands out for its innovative
exploration of nature, particularly through the lens of waterfowl, turkeys, and gun dogs. His
unique approach blends traditional wildlife imagery with digital manipulation, resulting in
vibrant, highly stylized compositions that challenge conventional perspectives of these animals.
Using dynamic colors, layered textures, and pallet brush or burnished abstractions, his objective
has been to create visually compelling pieces that reflect the complex relationship between
nature, technology, and human perception.

“What sets his work apart is his ability to maintain the essence of the subjects—waterfowl in
flight, turkeys in their natural environments, and gun dogs in action—while pushing the
boundaries of abstraction and digital artistry. The fusion of realism and abstraction invites
viewers to engage with these familiar creatures on a deeper, more introspective level,” Laird
explained.

These subjects are not just animals to him; they are symbols of nature’s resilience, grace, and the
connection between humanity and the wild. Whether through the precise detail of a flying duck,
the majesty of a turkey in full display, or the bond between a hunter and their gun dog, he aims to
capture the spirit and energy of these creatures in their natural environments. His goal is to
portray their beauty and character in a way that feels both realistic and dynamic, with attention to
movement, light, and texture.

Laird studied at the Savannah College of Art and Design as well as Memphis College of Art,
where he completed a Bachelor’s degree in Illustration. At Syracuse University, he received his
Master of Arts in Illustration. This program was an independent study during which he traveled to study illustration in San Francisco , Dallas Fort Worth, and in New York City. Laird also has two certificates in printing and color management from Clemson University.

Throughout his career, Laird has received numerous honors and awards such as:
-Being a preferred artwork vendor with Delta Waterfowl and the National Wild Turkey
Federation -2023- 2025
-Showing work in the Pierpont Gallery, Quitman, GA – 2025
-Earning Top five finisher in the ArtFields twelve Southern State Art Competition Lake City, SC -2013
-Being Named to the National Society of Illustrators – 2002
-Participating in the Syracuse Masters Exhibit – Syracuse New York – 2002
-Winning Second place at the National Drawing Exhibition Hilton Head Island, SC – 1999
-Exhibiting in the Memphis College of Art Senior Exhibition – 1992
-Receiving a Scholastics Art Scholarship to Savannah College of Art – 1988
-Being named Three times Best in show winner Tipton County Art Association – Covington,
Tennessee – 1984 – 1987

Laird works professionally as the Creative Director for Liberty Garden Products in Kernersville,
NC. He is married to Pam Laird and has a twenty-two-year old son named Eric Laird. His
interests include fishing, yearly duck and turkey hunting, being in nature, spending time in his art
studio, and spending time with his family.

Laird would like to extend a special thanks to Justin Trent, John Brown, Danny Klauss, Brian
Ellithorpe, Matthew Hicks, Cameron Berrien, and Tre Fredericks for some of the reference
photos used to create his artwork.

This exhibit will be on display May 16-June 30, 2025 in the Apple Gallery. The Stokes County
Arts Council is open to the public Monday through Friday, 9:00am-6:00pm, Saturday,
10:00a.m.-6:00p.m. and Sunday 12:00pm-6:00pm. For additional information about the exhibit,
please contact the Stokes County Arts Council at (336) 593-8159.